What to expect in Therapy

Sessions usually last between 45-60 minutes and the length between sessions is decided after completion of the initial session. Sessions are conducted in a relaxed and friendly environment, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your problems/life difficulties with your psychologist. You can decide in the first few sessions whether the person you see is a good fit for you

In the first session, your psychologist typically gathers information about you and your needs. It may take a few sessions for your psychologist to have a comprehensive understanding of your situation and concerns and to determine the best approach or course of action. Your psychologist may ask what brings you to therapy, your concerns, and any symptoms you experience. They may want to learn about your childhood, education, work history, current relationships, short and long-term goals.

Opening up can be hard, and it may take time for you to trust your psychologist It is OK to say that you do not feel ready to talk about something difficult right now. Your thoughts and feelings will help your psychologist understand you and how to help. Any change in life involves time and effort. Your commitment to attend sessions regularly, courage to look at yourself honestly, and willingness to make some difficult changes in your life will help you make progress.

For most types of psychotherapy, your psychologist will encourage you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what’s troubling you. Psychotherapy sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may find yourself crying, upset or even having an angry outburst during a session. Some people may feel physically and emotionally exhausted after a session. Your psychologist is there to help you cope with these emotions.

Confidentiality

Therapy sessions are highly confidential on almost all occasions, A psychologist may only break confidentiality if there is an immediate threat to safety (yours or someone else’s) or when required by state or federal law to report concerns to authorities. Your psychologist can answer questions about confidentiality.

Length of psychotherapy

It may take only weeks to help you cope with a short-term situation. Or, treatment may last a year or longer if you have a long-term mental illness or other long-term concerns. The number of psychotherapy sessions you need, including the frequency of your sessions depends on some of the factors below: